New Colombian and Slovenian governments flip Israel policy, to move their embassies to Jerusalem

Colombia’s Diplomatic Realignment Under Abelardo de la Espriella

Colombia’s incoming administration, led by President-elect Abelardo de la Espriella, has committed to a sweeping reversal of the country’s recent diplomatic stance toward Israel.

The incoming government intends to withdraw Colombia’s declaration of intervention in the International Court of Justice (ICJ) case brought by South Africa against Israel. This action marks a sharp departure from the policies of outgoing President Gustavo Petro, who severed diplomatic ties in May 2024 and accused Israel of genocide regarding its conduct in Gaza. According to the president-elect’s office, the move aims to restore the historic relationship that the Petro government unilaterally severed.

Slovenia’s Embassy Relocation and EU Policy Shift

In Europe, Prime Minister-elect Janez Janša is preparing to reorient Slovenia’s foreign policy following the defeat of Prime Minister Robert Golob’s coalition. Janša, known for his alignment with right-wing political currents, has announced that his government will cancel Slovenia’s previous recognition of a Palestinian state and relocate its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem.

The shift follows a period of friction between the outgoing Slovenian government and Israel. Under Golob, Slovenia had banned imports from West Bank settlements and prohibited weapons trade with Israel. Robert Waltl, president of the Liberal Jewish Community of Slovenia, noted that while the change is a welcome milestone, he remains cautious about its long-term effects. That said, I still feel it’s too early for me to draw broader conclusions about what this will mean in practice for bilateral relations, or for the Jewish community. I’d rather judge by actions than by first impressions, Waltl stated.

International Reaction and Geopolitical Stakes

The decision to move embassies to Jerusalem has drawn immediate condemnation from the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). In a formal statement, the OIC General Secretariat characterized the move as a regrettable departure from Colombia’s historic positions and a violation of United Nations Security Council Resolutions 476 and 478. The organization called upon the Colombian government to reverse its decision and adhere to international consensus on the status of Jerusalem.

Analysts note that these policy flips are part of a wider trend.

“Israel was among the first countries to recognize Slovenia’s independence in 1991. Opening an embassy in Jerusalem would send a clear signal that Slovenia views Israel not only as a key regional partner but also as an important ally in defending the rules-based democratic order at a time of growing geopolitical instability.”

Ernest Herzog, World Jewish Congress

Broader Regional Trends in Latin America

The diplomatic shifts in Colombia coincide with broader political changes in the region, most notably in Argentina. President Javier Milei, who took office with a mandate to rebuild the country’s economy, has been a vocal supporter of Israel. His rise, alongside the election of de la Espriella in Colombia, suggests an emerging bloc of Latin American leaders seeking to deepen cooperation with Israel, a development that continues to draw close monitoring from international observers as the new governments consolidate power.